NEW DELHI: Delhi’s chief secretary DM Spolia has cracked the whip on bureaucrats misusing their position. Recently it was found that deputy commissioners have been using disaster management vehicles as escort cars in their convoy in a clear violation of set norms. In a stern message, Spolia termed the practice as “improper use of vehicle” directing them to stop the misuse.
He has directed IAS officers not to misuse their position by using vehicles and staff meant for the Disaster Management Authority as their escort vehicles and staff. The order was issued after the chief secretary found that a deputy commissioner had been using facilities which he wasn’t entitled to. Spolia issued an order for removal of such escort vehicles from all 11 deputy commissioners of the revenue department. He also withdrew the scheme of providing enhanced petrol and diesel to them. According to the security protocol, only chief secretary of Delhi is entitled to a personal security officer and that too only in his official vehicle.
In a note issued to divisional commissioner Gyanesh Bharti, Spolia expressed his annoyance at deputy commissioners: “Deputy commissioners are using vehicles and staff as escorts and pilots. Vehicles meant for disaster management are to be located at district headquarters for the dedicated use of disaster management only. If the vehicles are being used for any other purposes, this would constitute an improper use of vehicles. Therefore separately details of vehicles attached to the DCs, ADMs and SDMs should be furnished to rationalise the deployment,” the note said. Spolia has sought details of the deployment of such vehicles to deputy commissioners’ office and volunteers of civil defence. The divisional commissioner office had sought permission to allow escort vehicle and red beacon light to deputy commissioners few years ago, but it was rejected by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
A deputy commissioner said that deputy commissioners (revenue) are also district magistrate of the area so they should be allowed to pilot their vehicle with a personal security officer as in other states. “Compare the facilities being provided to a district magistrate in other states and district magistrate in the Capital,” argued the official. Sources said that the fuel limit per month is also being slashed to 200 litres. The order to enhance fuel limit up to 400 litres for deputy commissioners was issued last month. Spolia put a restriction on it. He told Bharti that the department may separately put up a proposal for a higher fuel reimbursement for the government’s consideration in selected cases where the deputy commissioners’ offices are located far away from their residences.
